VANDALS have defaced the town’s Carillon war memorial as 100-year commemorations have taken place of the Great War.

Outraged residents have taken to Facebook to show their disdain for the yellow graffiti that has been splashed across one side of the building.

Carillon tower in Loughborough is defaced by vandals.

Mel Gould, chairman of the Carillon Tower and War Memorial museum, told the Echo that he has never seen someone deface the building in this way before.

He told the Echo: “It is such a pretty building – why would anyone want to deface it? I hate graffiti but to damage the Carillon and deface it!

“When the culprit is caught hopefully he will realise the consequences of his actions. When you see how many people have passed on the message on Facebook it shows the sense of feeling.”

Mr Gould spotted the yellow tag – which looks like a crown – on Monday, March 30, while letting a carpenter into the iconic site.

He believes it must have taken place over the weekend or on Sunday evening.

“This is only the second time someone has damaged the building because they usually show some respect,” he added. “About three years ago someone painted cricket stumps on the side, but I don’t think they knew what they were doing. With it being limestone it is harder to remove.

“You can use sand paper but you are sanding away the stone.”

Loughborough Carillon in Queen's Park

Loughborough Carillon Tower and War Memorial was built after World War One to commemorate the men of the town who gave their lives.

It is the only purpose built Carillon tower in Britain and is also home to a museum and offers fantastic views across Loughborough.

Mr Gould took to Facebook on Monday to show his frustration on the Carillon Facebook page, which he says that within three hours saw 10,000 views and shares.

He wrote: “Plenty of people will recognise it and know the perpetrator, please explain to them that desecrating war memorials is a shameful act that will only provoke loathing for you when your identity is revealed.”

One Facebook user said: “These people seriously need to be taught some respect. Harsh I know but maybe a taste of national service may make them think before they commit such mindless vandalism! It makes me so cross!”

Another added: “The lowest of the low. Some people have no respect for anyone or anything.”

And another said: “Disgusting behaviour. Hope they are caught and dealt with.”

A Charnwood Borough Council spokesperson told the Echo that the graffiti was removed by its staff on Tuesday afternooon.